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When archaeologists discovered a major new Romano–British site in Devon, England, they involved Earthwatch volunteers in its excavation.

Devon is the location of a major Romano–British archaeological site that was found to be a rich source of artifacts. Archaeologists from Exeter University, the Portable Antiquities Scheme, the British Museum, and the Devon County Council led Earthwatch investigations at the site. Fieldwork was carried out with the help of Earthwatch volunteers and volunteers from the local community, including the local History Society and the Devon Archaeological Society, and students from Exeter University.

The results of a geophysical survey and trial trenching carried out in 2011 made it clear that this was a site of major importance. The Earthwatch investigations explored the exact function of the site and for how long was the site in use by examining archaeological features such as buildings, tracks, and pits to ascertain the structure and layout and to gather contextual information in the form of finds and sampling. This produced evidence about what was being grown and eaten by the inhabitants of the site 2,000 years ago.

The facts

Location

Lead scientists

Why the research is important

Why the research is important

Research on this site significantly contributed to our understanding of life in the Romano–British world on the edges of the Roman Empire.

This Roman site enabled archaeologists to explore and better understand the daily lives of Britons during the time of the Roman Empire.

The discovery of this Romano–British site is of tremendous importance; there is nothing comparable to it in Devon, and research on this site significantly contributed to our understanding of life in the Romano–British world on the edges of the Roman Empire. The initial geophysical survey of the site revealed many archaeological features lying below the ground, over an area of several acres. Because the geophysical results were so remarkable, the British Museum and the Roman Research Trust provided funding for an archaeological evaluation that took place in March 2011.

Roman coin discovered in Devon.

The findings from this pilot survey revealed a Roman road, a square enclosure ditch of Roman date, and an Iron Age, Romano–British roundhouse. Many fragments of pottery were also recovered, including imported wares such as amphorae from Spain and decorated samian ware (reddish-brown pottery). More coins were found, along with a fragment of human bone, dating to the Roman period. The findings of the pilot survey confirmed the date and significance of the site but also revealed that there were even more potential archaeological findings than those detailed in the geophysical survey.

About the research area

Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom, Europe & Russia

Devon is a beautiful, largely rural, county steeped in history. It has two stunning coastlines long associated with legends of pirates, smuggling, and shipwrecks, and two vast areas of wild moorland: Dartmoor National Park and Exmoor National Park. Both are rich in prehistoric heritage - Dartmoor is famous for its unique Bronze Age landscape, and it has numerous standing circles and standing stone rows.

Exeter, the Roman and cathedral capital of Devon, is a small but busy and thriving city. Tourist attractions include Exeter's unique medieval underground passages, the medieval cathedral and the historic quayside. The town also has a busy nightlife; there is the opportunity to visit cinemas, theatres and restaurants.
Devon's extensive moorland and coastland offers many outdoor sports and activity opportunities. There are many trails in both national parks, and the southwest coast path meanders along the beautiful coastline of Devon and Cornwall.

Volunteers helped to investigate, excavate, and record archaeological features in the field. This involved troweling and cleaning archaeological features, making section drawings and plans, taking accurate photographic records, heavy digging with a spade and mattock and spoil removal with a wheelbarrow, and making detailed field notes. Volunteers also helped with postexcavation processing of finds. In order for volunteers to carry out these tasks, they participated in a full day of talks and practical workshops, followed by on-site training.

The volunteers stayed at Exeter University's Streatham Campus, which overlooks Exeter and the surrounding countryside. The accommodations were in Mardon Hall of Residence, Exeter University’s oldest purpose-built residence, built in 1933, with many original features, such as the wood-paneled library (now used as a study room) and grand staircase, still intact. The residence has wonderful views over the Exe Valley. The university campus is famous for its beautiful and peaceful parkland, lakes, woodland, and landscaped gardens, which contain numerous rare species and trees.

The volunteers went on an excursion to Dartmoor, traveling to Two Bridges, and walking over flat moorland for half an hour to reach Wistman’s Wood. The wood is designated as a national nature reserve and is revered in local Dartmoor folklore. After lunch at the Two Bridges Hotel, the volunteers visited the internationally important Bronze Age stone circle and roundhouse remains at Merrivale.

Volunteers helped to investigate, excavate, and record archaeological features in the field.

Accommodations and Food

Accommodations and Food

Camp consists of several simple buildings erected on a large clearing in Budongo Forest. You'll stay in a single room that contains a bed, beddings, mosquito net, reading desk and a chair. All rooms are connected to solar electricity. There are three pit latrines on site which are shared by all. You'll have access to a warm shower, every evening after a long day's work. Water used at camp is harvested off the roofs or taken from the Sonso River so frugal use is necessary.

Evening meals are prepared by cooks who will prepare dishes including rice, chapati, potatoes, spaghetti, beans, beef, fish, ground nuts (peanuts), cow peas, assorted fresh vegetables and fruits, eggs. There are other local foods such as cassava, stewed bananas (locally known as matooke) and maize bread (locally known as ugali or posho). Breakfast will be western style.